AUSTRALIA
Crux
John L. Allen Jr. EDITOR
Australian Cardinal George Pell made his first court appearance in Melbourne early on Wednesday, fighting to clear his name from what police have described as ‘multiple’ complaints of ‘historical sexual offenses.’ In the brief hearing,
In the first step of what could be a long legal journey, Australian Cardinal George Pell appeared before a court in Melbourne on Wednesday morning for an initial hearing related to charges of sexual abuse, which established that the next act in the drama will come Oct. 6.
The hearing, which began at 10:00 a.m. local time and lasted just six minutes, was a procedural matter intended only to establish when prosecutors will turn over their evidence to defense attorneys and the next time Pell has to appear.
Although details of the charges against Pell have not been revealed, police spokespersons in the Australian state of Victoria, which included, Melbourne, say he’s been accused of “historical sexual offenses” from “multiple complainants.”
Pell has asserted his innocence vigorously.
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